2011 Fiat 500 Prima Edizione: a limited edition just for United States

Fiat announced a special edition of its 500 minicar in order to make its North American debut in Italian style. Dubbed Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' (First Edition), the new collector-edition Fiat 500 models will be manufactured in a limited edition of just 500 units and will be sold just in the U.S.

According to the manufacturer, the new models will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray) and will be equipped with a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine mated to a manual transmission.

Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.

Fiat announced the new Fiat 500 'Prima Edizione' limited edition car at the national annual convention organized by Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, which is considered as the largest enthusiast club for Fiat Group vehicles in North America.

The event – also known as the "Fiat Freakout" – was held in Asheville, NC and featured over 100 well-preserved Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Fiat North America was the title sponsor of the annual convention, during which it unveiled the 'Fiat Mobile Experience' display that features a café station and a Fiat brand merchandise store.

Attendees of the convention were treated to complimentary gelato, espresso and cappuccino and were given the opportunity to browse and purchase Fiat-branded merchandise items in a distinct store area.

This area -- manned by Fiat merchandizing specialists – is finished in Fiat red and white colors. People could expect to see the Fiat Mobile Experience display, which is constructed from a re-purposed auto-shipping container, at future Fiat shows and exhibitions in North America.

Press Release

Special Limited-edition Fiat 500 Reserved Exclusively for Fiat Fans

Fiat fans attending the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited were given a special surprise when the head of Fiat North America arrived at their closing dinner and made them an exclusive offer. These long-time enthusiasts of the Fiat brand and vehicles, some for almost 27 years, were given the first opportunity to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for the unique Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' (First Edition) model. A total of 500 of these collector-edition Fiat 500 models will be sold in the United States.

"The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, who personally presented the opportunity to the Fiat aficionados.

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). These limited-edition Fiat 500 models will be equipped with a manual transmission and will feature an exclusive Prima Edizione badge. Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.

The modern generation of the Fiat 500 will be introduced in North America at the end of 2010 and will offer customers uncompromising safety, fuel efficiency from its 1.4-liter MultiAir™ four-cylinder engine, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style. The Fiat MultiAir technology was recognized as the "single most innovative engine technology" of the year by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

Fiat North America will also offer other Fiat fans the opportunity to reserve their Prima Edizione model, up to a limit of 500, via a special website that will be made available at a later date through www.ciaofiat.com.

Fiat Mobile ExperienceThe Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' announcement was made during the national annual convention organized by Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, North America's largest enthusiast club for owners of Fiat Group Automobile vehicles. This year, the convention – commonly known as the "Fiat Freakout" – was held in Asheville, NC.

Fiat North America was the title sponsor of the annual convention, which featured displays of more than 100 well-preserved Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo vehicles.

During the event, Fiat North America debuted the 'Fiat Mobile Experience' – a unique display that hosts both a café station and a Fiat brand merchandise store.

Fiat fans attending the convention were able to enjoy complimentary gelato, espresso and cappuccino served by baristas. Visitors were also able to browse through and purchase various Fiat-branded merchandise items in a unique store area, finished in Fiat red and white colors and staffed by Fiat merchandizing specialists.

The Fiat Mobile Experience display is constructed from a repurposed auto-shipping container and will be seen at other future Fiat shows and exhibitions in North America.